Sandusky County, Ohio - Chapter 24: Fremont, the County Seat, 1909 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 24: Fremont, the County Seat

Early History - Croghansville and Sandusky - Town Plats - Names of .Mayors - City Hall - Water Works and Fire Department - Parks - Schools, Churches and Their Buildings - Prominent Magazine Writers and Authors - Industries - Benevolent and Patriotic. Societies - Improvements. Tax Duplicate, $3,512,680.

FREMONT, County. Seat of Sandusky County, Ohio The JUNQUINDUNDEH of the Indians, and the LOWER SANDUSKY of the Revolutionary War and the : War of 1812. An old NEUTRAL TOWN of the ERIES used as a refuge on the destruction of the HURON Confederacy by the IROQUOIS in 1650. Westermost point reached by: the BRITISH and COLONIAL TROOPS from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut under ISRAEL PUTNAM in BRADSTREET'S Expedition against Pontiac in 1764. A BRITISH POST established here during the REVOLUTION-

Ary War

(From the historical table placed by the city at the request of the Local Chapter of the D. A. R. at each station of the steam railroads in the city.)

It has been seen that Lower Sandusky, which included the original villages of Croghansville on the east side and Sandusky on the west side of the river was named Fremont in 1849.

There is a township named Fremont, but it is, in fact, territorially the city of Fremont, and its civil administration, except as to justices of the peace and constables are identical with the city. Hence it is not here separately described.

Early Surveys

Croghansville was laid out in 1816 by the United States Surveyor, Mr. Wormsley. At the suggestion of the United States land commissioner it was named Croghansville, in honor of Major Croghan. The location was evidently deemed one of importance, as Canora reserved one large lot for a shipyard, and the great width of the streets would indicate the same expectation. . od ~< ; The first town plat of Sandusky, the west side, was made by the "Kentucky Company,"' composed of Thomas L. Hawkins, Thomas E. Boswell, Morris A. Newman, William Oliver, Israel Harrington, Josiah Rumery, Ephraim Johnson, William Andrews, David Gallagher, Aaron Forgerson, Randall Jerome, John

Drury, Joseph Mominne, John La Cost, John B. Mominne and John Anderson, all of whom became residents, except Boswell and Anderson. The plat was signed by Thomas L. Hawkins for self and Boswell; Morris A. Newman; William Oliver for self and company; Israel Harrington for self and L. E. P., and Josiah Rumery, and is found recorded at Norwalk, December, 1817. It is also upon the Sandusky County records, (Plat record Vol. 4, p 75:)

Lots eight and nine, purchased by this company, were carved into town lots and equitably divided among the shareholders. We are speaking only of the first surveys. These were subsequently greatly modified and changed, and it is not practicable here to go into further details in regard to them.

As we have seen, Lower Sandusky, <incorporated in 1829, embraced all the Two-mile Square Reservation, and thus Croghansville passed out of existence.

Municipal Government

John Bell was the first mayor, elected in 1830. Previous to this date there are no village records to be found. The following persons have served as mayors of Lower Sandusky and Fremont Village and City: 1843, R. P. Buckland; 1844, John Bell; 1845-46, Cornelius Letscher; 1847, Chester Edgerton; 1848, L. 'C. Ball; 1849, J. B. G. Downs; 1850; B. J. Bartlett; 1853; A: B.Taylor;-18s54, A. J. Hale; 1855, B. J. Bartlett; 1857, John R. Pease; 1858, John L. Green, Sr.; 1859, Stephen Buckland; 1860, James Justice; 1861 Daniel L. June; 1862; John L. Kline; 1864, L Q. Rawson; 186s, Homer Everett ; 1866, John Bell, who was the first mayor after the village of Fremont passed to the stage of a city, which was July 18, 1866. It will be observed that he was the first mayor of the incorporated village of Lower Sandusky.

On April 8, 1867, the first meeting of the council as the city council of Fremont was held. The venerable John Bell was mayor, and it is an interesting fact that he was the first mayor of the village of Lower Sandusky, which was organized in 1829. The present efficient city auditor is a grandson of his.

The members of the first city council were called trustees, and were David Belts and Plate Brush from the First Ward; Ambrose Ochs and T. M. Quilter from the Second Ward, and J. D. Botefur and Thomas Kelley, from the Third Ward.

In 1869 J. S. Van Ness was mayor; 1871, E. F. Dickinsof#; 1877, J. S. Van Ness; 1879, C. H. Bell; 1881, J. S. Van Ness and E. Loudenslager; 1882, John L. Green; 1883, M. E. Tyler; 1884, Stephen Buckland; 1887, H. B. Smith, served four years, and the following named persons have occupied the office of mayor in the order named: John P. Dickinson (died in office) ; W. I: Redfield, was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Dickinson and was elected and re-elected, serving two full terms thereafter. He was followed by L. Dick, one term, then A. H. Jackson, two terms; George Engler, two terms, and next the present mayor, C. C. Tunnington, now serving his second term.

Mayor C. C. Tunnington; President of Council, Christian Stausmyer; Auditor, C. F. Bell; Treasurer, Henry G. Ochs; Solicitor, Harry E. Garn; Members of Council, Clayton Steirwalt, Byron A. Fouche, Daniel Roony, Henry Scherf, P. J. Rock, George Baehr, W. A. Atkinson; Board of Public Service, L. A. Dickinson, Dr. C. F. Reiff, Charles Thompson ;

And Representative Citizens City Hall

The first steps toward the erection of a city hall was June 7, 1877, when the city council, then composed of William E. Haynes, W. B. Sheldon, C. R. McCulloch, James Park, Jr., J. B. B. Dickinson and A. Young, passed a resolution. "That the city of Fremont build the first story of a city hall building and that it be ready for the fire department as soon as practicable." Work was at once begun and by September 14th the foundation was ready for the corner stone, the laying of which on that day was an occasion among the most memorable in the history of the place. The same day was held the reunion of the 23d O. V. I. and a home visit of its Colonel, R. B. Hayes, then President of the United States. It was estimated that fully twenty thousand people laying the corner stone were under the auspices of the Masonic order and conducted by the Grand Master of Ohio, in accordance with the rituals of the order. The following articles were deposited in the corner stone: Silver coins of 1877; copies of the Fremont Messenger, Journal and Courier; school report for 1877; photograph of Colonel Croghan; list of notables present; population of the city; list of churches and pastors; copy, of premium list of agricultural society for 1877; date of the organization of the Masonic Lodges, Chapter and Council and address of Isaac M. Keeler before Brainard Lodge, February 22, 1876. On the speakers' stand were President Hayes, Secretary McCreary and wife, Chief Justice Waite, Generals Sheridan, Cox, Rosecrans, Carroll, Duvall, Scammon, Barnett, Kenedy, Swayne, Buckland, Gibson, Hon. Stanley Matthews and Major William McKinley; the latter being the orator of the day, and later President of the United States.

The building was completed i# 1879, and dedicated February 21st. Prof. W. W. Ross delivered the address of the occasion. The cost of the building, with steam heating apparatus, furniture, and including city stables was $16,000.

Street Improvements

Croghan Street was the first to be paved, which was done in 1874-75. The material used was New York Medina stone. This improvement cost the city $25,000.00.

The second street to be improved, by paving, was the main business part of Front Street, in 1885-86. The material used was also Medina stone. Since then from year to year the principal streets, running from east to west, west from the river, as Birchard and Hayes Avenues, Garrison, Court, Napoleon and West State Streets, and State Street, east from the river, have been paved. Park Avenue, South Tiffin, Washington, Franklin and Arch Streets and White Avenue and McPherson Boulevard have also been paved, the material used in all these improvements being fire-brick. There are now in the city about twelve miles of paved street, all of them are also well sewered.

Water-Works

In 1881 a petition was presented to the council asking that the services of an engineer be secured to devise a method of supplying the city-with water. Mr. J. T. Cook, of Toledo, was employed and submitted his report to the council July 25, 1881. In March, 1882, the council passed a resolution submitting the question of issuing bonds of the city to the amount of $150,000 for water-works purposes, to a vote of the electors; and on March 14, 1882, an election was held at which two-thirds of the votes cast were in favor of issuing the bonds, and elected as trustees, Col. W. E. Haynes, F. Fabing, and C. F. Reiff.

The trustees purchased about eleven acres of land with a frontage on:the Sandusky River of more than one half mile, on the west bank. The council having completed the financial arrangements on the 20th of July, 1882, sealed proposals were received by the trustees for the material and labor to construct the waterworks, and the contracts: were awarded and work was at once begun. In less than one year from the letting of the contracts, the plant was completed and in successful operation, and at much less than the estimated cost, mainly due to the careful management of those in charge. The total cost was $136,936.99. More than ten thoysand dollars of the money appropriated remained unexpended and no city in Ohio ever managed the construction of its water-works more advantageously for the interests of the citizens and tax-payers.

The water-works plant, exclusively of the stand pipe, is located on the east side of South Front Street. The reservoir has a capacity of 3,000,000 gallons and is excavated several feet in the rock. It is supplied with water through three inlet pipes from the Sandusky River through the embankment.

The pumping machinery consists of two compound condensing engines with a pumping capacity of 2% million gallons each, during twenty-four hours.

The Stand Pipe, constructed of Otis steel, is located in Court Park. It is 100 feet high and 25 feet in diameter, with a capacity of 365,000 gallons.

The-engines are capable of pumping against a head of 225 feet. The performance of one of these, a Knowles pumping engine, for the past twenty-six years is certainly sufficient proof of its great endurance and efficiency.

Fire Department

In 1844 a hook and ladder company was organized and did good service. In 1853 a Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and Engine Company No. 1 were organized and did service with a hand engine and limited fire apparatus, including the steam fire engine, Mc- Pherson, of Amoskeag manufacture. In 1874

The present organization consists of one chief, two teamsters, eight firemen, and two fire horses; three of the firemen are full paid men. Two of the call men stay at headquarters at night, making five men.at hand during the night in case of fire.

The present equipment consists of one Clapp & Jones steam fire engine; one Amoskeag steamer; one nearly new chemical and hose wagon; two 32-gallon chemical tanks; two 3-gallon extinguishers; 1,200 feet of 2% inch cotton rubber lined jacket hose; three roof ladders, 200 feet chemical hose, also other equipments required.

One 2-wheel hose-cart for steamer carrying 600 feet of hose and 3,500 feet of hose in service. One 1-horse hook and ladder wagon, one 50-foot extension ladder, one 24-foot ladder and two roof ladders. The city is divided into ten fire districts, eight on the west side, and two on the east side of the river.

Chiefs of Department, from 1843 to 1909: Stephen Buckland, A. Young, F. Fabing, Henry Ochs, Peter Stein, Ed. Underhill, and C. F. Reiff, present chief.

Birchard Park is a grove of splendid native forest trees, and contains about ten acres of land, the gift to the city by its public benefactor, Sardis Birchard, in whose honor it is by Birchard Avenue, Croghan, Washington and Jefferson Streets. It is not improved further than by the removal of all sightless decay and surplus trees; draining, leveling, and cultivating the ground to grass, and placing therein seats and other accommodations. ~

_ The Ladies' Civic Federation, in connection with Col. Webb C. Hayes, have had general charge of the work for some years, and on July 4, 1906, the ground was in a somewhat informal manner dedicated to public use as a park, by them.. Mrs. George Zimmerman, president of the Federation, presided; M. G. Thraves read the Declaration of Independence ; Basil Meek made a brief historical address; Major I. H. Burgoon delivered a short talk eulogistic of Mr. Birchard, the donor and Colonel Hayes furnished the "noise," which was ample for the occasion; by dynamiting the stumps of trees remaining in the grove, instead of by the firing of cannon.

Parties from many of the neighboring towns come hither to enjoy its shade, seats, swings, etc., as do also the people of the city, more and more a sthe years go by.

Diamond Park is a pretty little triangular park at the junction of Buckland Avenue, with Birchard Avenue, bounded west by Monroe Street. This is kept in good condition with seats, flower beds and walks. It also is the gift of Mr. Birchard.

Lesher Park is a triangular parcel, containing one third of an acre, in Flower Valley, where Tiffin and Whittlesey Streets converge, which is open to the public, beautifully shaded with evergreens and deciduous trees, the gift to the city by Mrs. Susan Lesher for park purposes.

Fort Stephenson Park. Historically and from a municipal standpoint, Fort Stephenson Park, with its City Hall and offices, Soldiers' Monument, grave of Colonel Croghan, the historic cannon, "Old Betsy," Birchard Library, and being the site of the old fort, ranks first in importance. The park contains two acres and is situated on high ground, within the four streets, Croghan, Arch, High and Garrison, bounding the same. It is terraced to a stone wall on all sides, and is studded with beautiful shade trees, flower beds, and a wellcared-for lawn, with excellent cement walks. It is a favorite and delightful resort for young and old of the city on summer days and evenings. It commands a charming view of the city eastward on both sides of the river and far away to the hills of old Croghansville.

Court Park, while used by the people of the city, belongs to the county at large. Part of it was purchased by the county from the Brush family, June 7, 1845, for public park purposes, so mentioned in the deed of that date, and the remainder was purchased from J. S. A. Gavitt, December 5, 1849. This park is also surrounded by four streets, Park Avenue (formerly known as Main Street), Croghan, Court and Justice Streets, and is finelly shaded and traversed by walks. It is really a part of the court house campus, though unfortunately separated from the main court house square, by the deep canal-like cut, where was located Main Street, before the injurious grading was done, now known as Park Avenue. This park is further despoiled by the erection therein of the water-works stand pipe, which it is hoped will some day be removed; and the further hope is indulged that the former graceful contour of this park may be restored by the filling of the avenue to its former natural level, vacating Park Avenue as a public thoroughfare along these grounds, and substituting a driveway through them. PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The first schoolhouse in Fremont was erected about the year 1816, on the site of the present high-school building, a few rods west of Fort Stephenson, then standing, and within three years after the heroic defense of that fort by Colonel Croghan. .

It was constructed of rough, unhewn logs, cut from the surrounding trees and hastily put together by the joint. efforts of the early settlers. Oiled paper took the place of glass in the windows, and the seats were of the most primitive construction. It was replaced, in 1817, by a more substantial structure, erected on the same site, fronting east, and built of hewn logs, with some such improvements as glass windows, a row of desks around the walls, and a blazing fireplace at the eastern extremity.

Among the earlier teachers were Mr. Jocelyn, Dr. Gooding, Miss Beebe, Mr. Bradley, Dr. Brainard, Ezra and Justice Williams. Mrs. L. C. Ball also taught a small select school in the winter of 1818-19, in one of the barrack rooms of the old fort.

The old log schoolhouse stood until the fall of 1834, when it was burned down, as it was considered unsafe for school purposes, a cholera patient having died in it the previous August. In its stead a rough stone building was erected, containing at first one room, and eventually two. This remained until after the organization of the schools on the grade or union-school plan, and the erection of the new brick building in 1852-53. The same year a brick schoolhouse was erected on the east side of the river, on Howland Street, which continued to-be used for school purposes for nearly thirty years, when it was sold to the city council for an engine-house.

The stone schoolhouse on the west side of the river and the brick on the east side supplied the school want for many years, although before 1850 additional buildings were rented on both sides of the river.

In January, 1850, a public meeting' of the citizens of Fremont was held at the court house, for the purpose of taking preliminary steps toward the organization of the schools on the graded or union-school plan, under the State law of 1849. Akron had led the way in the establishment of graded schools, under a special law passed at the instance of that town. Fremont was not slow to improve the opportunity afforded by the general law of 1849, whose passage by the Legislature had been induced by the favorable reception of the Akron experiment.

On the 14th of February, 1850, the following gentlemen were elected members of the first board of education: Jesse Olmstead, Rev. H. Lang, Homer Everett, J. B. G. Downs, D. Capper and J. H. Hafford.

The first board of education proceeded to take measures for the erection of a new building for the better accommodation of the schools. There were, at this time, five schools, two in the stone schoolhouse, one in the brick on the east side, one in the frame building, still standing just east of the bridge, known in the records as the Bridge Schoolhouse, and another in the basement of the old Methodist

The new school building, containing four rooms, and costing between six and eight thousand dollars, was ready for the schools in the fall of 1853.

Grading Of The Schools Cost Of The Schools

The following amounts were paid for tuition for the fall term of three months in 1851: Rev. F. S. White, $120; Horace E. Clark, $90; Miss R. P, Mitchener, Sarah G. Downs and Elizabeth Ryder, $45 each.

The report of this year, the first general report ever made, shows a total enumeration of 864, a total enrollment of 592, and an average daily attendance of 312, or 53 per cent. of the entire enrollment. The salaries paid were $40 per month for the high school, $35 in the grammar schools, and $20 per month for the lady teachers in the primary and secondary grades.

G. C. Woolard succeeded Mr. Starkweather as superintendent in the fall of 1857, holding the position two years, at a salary of $800 per year.

In 1860 the Rev. Dr. Bushnell, resident pastor of the Presbyterian Church, was elected to the position of superintendent of schools, at a salary of $300 per year. His work was exclusively of a supervisory character. He did not teach, and, in connection with his school work, continued to discharge his ministerial duties. He held the position of superintendent for the period of three years.

During the first year of Mr. Bushnell's administration, J. B. Loveland taught in the high school, Mr. Sowers in the west side grammar school, and J. Burgner in the east side gram-

Two new school buildings were erected this year, one on John Street and one on Hickory Street. It seems to have been the policy of the board, after the erection of the Central building, to build one-story structures, with a view, almost solely, to local accommodations.

In 1864, W. W. Ross was elected superintendent, his brother, Zachary Ross, being employed in the grammar school, both at a joint salary of $1,100, which was increased to $1,200 at the close of the first term.

At this time there were ten schools, respectively styled high, grammar, intermediate, secondary and primary. Two of these schools occupied rented rooms entirely unsuited to school purposes. There was no printed course of study, and in fact no definite course of study of any kind, especially in the high school, that was considered of binding character.

A course of study was marked out during the first term, covering a period of eleven or twelve years, four years being given to the high school.

The new course of study embraced in addition to the common branches, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physiology, physical geography, Philosophy, history, bookkeeping, botany, chemistry, rhetoric, science of government, natural history, astronomy, geology, logic, mental and moral philosophy and latin, the latter being optional.

of supervision being effected chiefly through teachers' meetings which were held. weekly. During the second and third year about one hour each day was given to the work of supervision. The last term of the year 1864-5, Mr. Ginn was transferred to the West Side, as prin-

At the beginning of the school year 1865-6, Miss E. L. Otis, an intermediate teacher, was transferred to the high school, a position she continued to fill, either as assistant or principal, with marked fidelity and success until 1899, when she of her own wish resigned.

The First Graduate

In May, 1866, the question of appropriating $16,000 for the erection of new school buildings, one on the east, and one on the west side of the river, was submitted to a vote of the people. It was caried by a vote of 207 to 121. These buildings, one a two-story and the other a three-story structure, were built the following year, and first occupied about January 1, 1868.

In 1873 a new and beautiful twd-story primary school building was erected on John Street, at a cost of $5,000, and a one-story schoolhouse on John Street and another on Hickory Street were sold by the board. This was a move in the direction of centralization of the schools rather than their isolation.

The 'high school building, which will be superseded by the elegant structure, now in progress of erection, was built in 1891 at a cost of $16,000.

The school management continued without material change, and with satisfaction to the public, until 1894, when a new board was organized, which yas elected under the special act of March 13, 1894, composed of Dr. M. Stamm, president; Basil. Meek, clerk; J. V. Beery, D. B, Love, Dr. .O. E. Rhillips, E. S. J. Bingman, A. Moos and H. C. Grund. This board inaugurated some forward movements in regard to the conduct and management of the schools. The duties of superintendent were more specifically defined, the' office of principal of the high school was created and the duties of the office definitely stated; the position of superintendent of buildings was created and combined with' that of truant officer, and the duties of the position defined. New courses of study were adopted, which were designed gradually to supercede the former courses. Previously anounced examinations relating to the promotion of pupils was abolished, and the daily work of the pupil was required to be the basis for promotion. KINDERGARTENS.

The work of this board in establishing free kindergartens as a part of the city public schools, was probably the most important of its progressive acts. At a special meeting of all the members held at the law office of Meek & Dudrow, May 30, 1895, it was decided by a unanimous vote to establish kindergartens in connection with the public schools.

A special committee composed of Dr. M. Stamm, chairman; Basil Meek, secretary; D. B. Love, A. Moos and E. S. P. Bingman was appointed to make proper arangements for carrying into effect the action of the board. This committee, on August 12, 1895, made its report, which was unanimously adopted. Among other details the comniittee recommended the appointment of a standing committee of three from the board, and a temporary advisory and visiting committee, to be composed of twelve representative ladies, to aid in prevail in regard to kindergartens, and to cause it to be acceptable to the public; and recommending two kindergartens, one on the east side (Croghansville) and one on the west side (Central) of the river.

Basil Meek, D. B. Love and J. V. Berry were appointed the standing committee. The ladies' advisory committee appointed were: Mesdames Charles Thompson, chairman; H. G. Edgerton, secretary ; William-B. Kridler, N. W. Snyder, S. J. Ryan, M. E. Martin, A. V. Baumann, J. F. Gottron, W. E. Lang and Misses Lucy E.: Keeler, Fanny Pease and Susie Billau. Their aid was cheerfully given and was efficient in accomplishing the objects for which they were appointed.

The kindergarten teachers first employed were, Mrs. Emma Garvin in the west, or central, and Miss Maude E. Wilbur in the east or Croghansville schools. As the attendance increased and the public interest in the work grew, it was found expedient to locate a kindergarten in the west State building, which was accordingly done and Miss Flora Greene chosen its teacher. Later as the attendance continued to increase assistant teachers were employed and Mrs. Garvin was given a supervisory position over all, with the principalship of the Central. Misses Wilbur and Greene were made principals of their respective kindergartens, and assistants were employed. Lack of space will not allow mention of the changes in teachers, nor progress of the work further than that, under the efficient supervision of Mrs. Garvin, who still holds her position and the cordial support of the school board, the kindergarten has long since passed the experimental stage, and is a recognized important factor in the preparatory training of the children for the first grade of the public schools. The expectations of its founders have been realized, and their art fully justified.

In 1896 additions were built to the Croghansville and West State Street buildings, and the buildings themselves were remodeled and heating and ventilating appliances supplied at a cost in all of about ten thousand dollars. The original buildings were erected in 1891.

buildings, serving from 1894 to 1900. ' William Wallace Ross, as has been stated, became superintendent in 1864, and has had the remarkable distinction of a continuous service from the date of his election until his death, which occurred March 4, 1906 - a period of forty-two years. He had the honor of signing the first diploma issued from the high school; and 578 pupils have been graduated under his administration and gone out to fill important places in society with the impress of his earnest and faithful instructions upon their young lives.

Will D. Ross, son of the deceased superintendent, was elected to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the school year, 1906, caused by his father's death. On account of ill health he was not an applicant for re-election, and from among many applicants for the position, John Edgar Collins, of Batavia, Ohio, public schools was elected superintendent in 1906.

always shown a normal growth. In recent years the buildings have been crowded and large classes, too large in fact, have been the rule. The material equipment was no longer adequate to the needs of the schools. There had been some talk of enlarging the grade schools, but no concerted action was taken until 1907. The high school has always been well attended and the pride of the city. Although it was recognized by the Ohio State University and many other colleges, the board of education and Superintendent Collins desired to have it accredited by the entire College Association, as many students enter college after graduation. In 1906 the classification of studies was somewhat changed and four courses organized to meet the requirements of this association and the needs of the various pupils. They are as follows: College Preparatory (requiring Latin), German-English, English-Scientific and English-Commercial. Soon after this adjustment was made the superintendent invited Prof. W. W. Boyd, the representative of the North Central Association of Colleges and High Schools, an association of the colleges and universities of fourteen states, to visit the high school and examine the work. After a thorough examination, Representative Boyd approved the courses of study, commended the work and spirit and placed the high school upon the accredited list of the association for the full term of three years, which accords the graduates college entrance rank in any of the institutions of the association without examination. He stated, however, that this recognition could be only temporary unless more room and better equipment should be provided. He wrote in part as follows: "It seems to us very necessary that the people of Fremont shall understand the opportunity before them for assisting in the work of the education of their children by supplying a better building for your high school. The present building is not well arranged for high school purposes and certainly is not commodious enough to meet the present demands. With a fine body of 200 young men and women, such as you have in your high school, there is absolutely no sum of money too great to expend upon them for their future welfare. I feel

The crowded condition of the schools was further emphasized the next year when the State inspector of buildings condemned the old Hayes Avenue and Central buildings and reported almost all the grade schools as well as the high school crowded beyond the legal capacity of 250 cubic feet per pupil.

Peed Tasty Annonces Old Central School Building

a modern high school building, when the present high school building could be used for elementary grades, as its plan is ideal for such work, and to build wherever necessary or enlarge the ward schools. This became the one thought and hope of the board of education, the superintendent and the teachers and a plan which received the hearty support of the citizens generally. Data relative to the conditions of the schools in all the smaller Ohio cities showed that the valuation of school property. in Fremont was below that of most cities with a like population. The board decided to ask for school bonds. to the amount of $100,000, to run from one to twenty years. To the gratification of all interested in the welfare of the schools the citizenship of Fremont responded to the call on April 14, 1908, by the remarkable vote of 998 in favor of the proposition; only 290 dissenting.

Two grade buildings were erected in 1908. The old two-room Hayes Avenue building was removed and a modern four-room press brick building erected on the site at a cost, including equipment, of $15,000. The other was a tworoom addition to the West State Street School, costing about nine thousand dollars. In the meantime plans were being formulated for a new high school. What was known as the Wilson property was purchased, at a cost of $10,500, for a high school site With money previously collected to the credit of the building fund.

following month contracts were let for a high school building which, with the equipment, will cost over eighty thousand dollars. . This building is now under construction and is between Park Avenue and High Street, facing on Croghan Street. After some discussion it was agreed to erect a fire-proof building with a capacity. for 500 pupils _ and with all the departments and appointments to be found in any city high school of the country. It is thought that it will be-sufficient for all the high school needs of the city for the next half century.

The structure is being built on the strictest lines of classical architecture. Its foundation is of stone.and the impressive entrance will be of the same heavy material. It will have a 150 foot front and will extend back. 115 feet.

The materials used are brown pressed brick and Ohio sand stone. There will be two stories in the main part with the central part extending up three stories with coping walls 54 feet above the grade. The cost of 'the handsome building will be $80,000. There were over 200 bids received and it is thought that the price was a very reasonable one.

Parents may send their children to the new building feeling no anxiety about their protection from fire as every precaution has been taken in this regard. The whole building is entirely ot masonry, concrete and steel. The stairs will be of iron and the floors of concrete. There will be no wood construction for partitions, floors or roof. Wood -will be very sparingly used; only for doors, baseboards and so forth. The maple floors in the rooms are applied directly to the concrete, serving as a covering only.

On the ground floor has been planned a large semi-circular auditorium with the gallery on the first floor. The seating capacity will be about six hundred and fifty. The stage will be large and will accommodate many persons.

Athletics. have been encouraged and much interest will undoubtedly be inspired in basket ball. In the basement there will be a roomy gymnasium and seats for the spectators.

also be located in the basement. On the first floor are the rooms for the superintendent and the school board, also supply rooms and so forth. In another spacious room the commercial and typewriting department will be located. The recitation rooms will be roomy and airy. There will be four of them about 24x32 - two of them which can be thrown together. The second floor has a large central study room about 58x64, and four recitation rooms about 24x30, also principal's office and. teachers' rest room. The third floor has a large art room and recitation room, which can be thrown together. The front part of the third floor is occupied by the physical and chemical laboratories with a lecture room between. In connection with these are the art rooms, drug rooms, apparatus, closets, etc.

Special attention has been paid to the heat and ventilation, the best fan system steam heat. The system of ventilation will be one of the most sanitary and hygienic known. The ventilation will be perfect without opening a window. The sanitary conditions all through have been paid very strict attention to. There will be toilets on each floor, which is a new innovation. The sanitary drinking fountain is in accordance with the newest ideas of hygiene and will be appreciated by the students.

members of the board, the architects and the contractors in trying to make the new high school building one which would best serve the purpose for which it was built. Outwardly it will be a dignified and beautiful piece of architecture and on the interior its rooms will be a great inspiration for the students who inside its walls will pore over their books in the years that are to come.

an elementary course covering eight years and the high school covering four. In addition to the old time regular studies, manual work in the lower grades in the form of paper cutting, weaving, basketry, etc., has been recently emphasized, as has the work in English, including story telling, art, and organic history, and with a moder pnhysical equiprnent we believe no school will rank above the system in our own little city. Last year a teachers' normal training department, election for seniors, to secondary education in Fremont and Sandusky County. Manual training and domestic science will be installed as soon as the building is completed and the work already planned along broad lines to meet the pupils' needs - whether they be collegiate, scientific, commercial or for a general culture - will be such as will appeal more strongly to the youth than ever before.

was organized. In 1908-9 the schools enrolled 1,517 pupils. The high school enrollment is now 225, over fifty of whom are Boxwell graduatees whose tution, $27 per pupil, is paid by the townships represented. The enumeration in 1909 was 2,439. There are forty-one teachers, seven of whom are in the high school. There are three kindergartens. The first high school commencement was held in 1867 and there have been in all 671 young men and women to graduate from the high school, of whom 239 were young men and 432 young women. These have gone out into the wold as representatives of the value of effort in education, many having become prominent leaders in various vocations of life. Many have gone into professional lines after taking higher courses of learning and in recent years in Fremont, as elsewhere, a very large percentage of the graduates have entered the universities. At present more than fifty graduates are attending higher institutions of learning and all have been accorded full freshmen recognition without examination, due to the high grade of their high school work and the standing of the North Central Association of Colleges and High Schools of which the Fremont school is a member.

Business Colleges

The Actual Business University and Normal Traming School, was founded by Mr. Burt German, in 1896. Later Mr. German removed the school to Fostoria, Ohio, returning from that place in 1903, to establish the school in commodious quarters in the Hochanedel Building (now the Elks' Block) on Croghan Street, Two years later the old Simple Account File Building on Whittlesey Street was leased for this purpose. On the night of December 3, 1908, this building was destroyed by fire.

In January, 1909, Mr. German sold the school to Mr. Thomas F. Chester, of Cincinnati, who had been acting as manager of the institution since the preceding November, and Miss Minnie Eisenhard, who had been teach- ing in the "A. B. U." for several years. Mr. Chester was made president of the new firm, and Miss Eisenhard secretary. The school was removed to the Burroughs Block, on South Front Street. Here is has entered upon a new ' career of usefulness.

Nominally a business college, the "A. B. U." as it is familiarly called, does not confine its instruction to what are technically known as the commercial branches. A large percentage of the teachers of Sandusky County have received their professional training at the college. Numbers of young people have prepared for the classical colleges here.

Chautauqua Circles

L. S. C. work, and a number of loca! circles have been organized, and the place has the credit for as many graduates as any other city of its size. Mrs. J. B. Van Doren was.a pioneer in the work and the circle founded by her, known as Croghan Circle, is still doing work. Other circles were, the Hayes, McPherson, Birchard, Grant and Sparks, some of which have accomplished their work, and disbanded; others are still carrying on the work. WOMEN'S EDUCATIONAL CLUBS.

The Coterie - the ladies' literary club by this name was organized in 1895. Federated (State) 1899, and federated (National) 1902. Active members at present, twenty-one; honorary members, six.

Fifteenth year - Mrs. C. L. Halter, president; Mrs. Wilson Hamilton, vice-president ; Mrs. Thomas J. Maxwell, recording secretary ; Mrs. Otis Davis, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Lester Wilson, treasurer and librarian.

Miss Gusdorf, president; Mrs. Robert A. Hudson, vice-president; Mrs. Albert V. Bauman, recording secretary; Mrs. Charles J. Greene, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Wilson

Che Matinee Musical Club, of Fremont, was organized in 1895 by Miss Ellouise Waters, who was the first president. At its organization there were twenty charter members. The object of the club is the improvement of its members in the various departments of music and to advance the interests of music in Fremont.

There are now forty-five active members, and about three hundred and fifty associate and student members. The present officers, for the season of 1909 to IQI0, are:

The Fremont Circulating Book Club, was organized by Mrs. George Buckland in 1896 and is now in its fourteenth year, with a large membership. It has no president and the following are its officers and committees :

The Booklovers' Reading Club, was organized by Mrs. George Buckland, April 1, 1899. This club has seventeen members. The managing officer is the secretary, the club having no other officers. Mrs. Buckland was the first secretary. Miss E. L. Otis succeeded Mrs. Buckland. Miss M. Fouke has been secretary since February 1, 1904.

The Monday Afternoon, was organized in 1894 by Mrs. W. A. Cox and Mrs. O. R. Smith under the name of the 'Mutual Improvement," and was federated in 1895. It now has fifteen members, and is named as above. Mrs. S. E. Kleckner is president; Mrs. Albert Moore secretary and Mrs. Henry Robinson treasurer. THE FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.

social betterment, few have been more potent than the Federation of Women's Organizations. Becoming convinced that in co-operation lies the secret of efficient social service, ten organizations of women, numbering about two hundred members, federated in 1903, "for the purpose of working as opportunity offers health, public highways, and other matters which affect the beauty and general attractiveness of Fremont, and the welfare of its inhabitants." The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. George Zimmerman ; vice presidents, Miss Lucy Keeler and Mrs. Thomas McSheehy; secretaries, Mrs. Harry Birkmier and Miss E. A. Sharpe; treasurer, Miss Julia Haynes. The present officers are: President, Mrs. George Zimmerman ; vice pres- -idents, Mrs. D. B. Love and Miss Hattie Gusdorf; secretaries, Mrs. J. Youngman and Mrs. C. L. Halter; treasurer, Mrs. Frank Michaels; auditor, Mrs. Dilenschneider.

Through the federation, which includes in its membership many individual members, the women of the community confer on public questions, decide what movements to promote, and voice their collective opinions and desires. It constitutes a center through which enterprises for the upbuilding of Fremont and the uplifting of its citizens are conducted.

The policy of the federation is to create public sentiment in favor of the movement desired, and then to persuade the proper authorities to carry on the work. In this way the federation has labored for the cleaning of the streets, for the repair and renovation of the city hall and city prison, for the beautification of the city, etc.

It annually conducts seed distribution through the schools and often offers prizes for handsome planting. The schools receive attention in regard to sanitation and ventilation, industrial training, improved courses of study, etc. It combats the cigarette evil, looks after delinquent and defective children, and labors for moral betterment. |

It has cordially cooperated with other organizations and with individuals, engaged in altruistic work. While engaged, for the present, in securing a park for the east side, the civic problems of good milk supply, pure water, abolition of house-flies, etc., are not forgotten.

Trimty Evangelical - This congregation was organized under the pastorate of Rev. John Mech, in 1861, with four charter members, viz: George Michael, Catharine Michael, George Joseph and Mary Joseph.

In 1870 the society was made a mission and Rev. A. Vandersall was appointed as pastor. This year was marked by the change in language of worship from German to English.

The following men served as missionaries - and pastors in the later years: A. C. Stull, H. Longbrake, G. W. Blazer, W. Whittington, A. Evans, W. L. McMillen, O. Spreng, C. Dreisbach, A. N. McCauley, W. W. Sherick, N. Shupp, E. M. Spreng, W. Whittington, E. B. Shumaker, W. P. Schott, A. N. Mc- Cauley, L. H. Seager, L. B. Myers, A. F. Totheroh, J. A. Hensel, E. Radebaugh, and the present pastor, W. S. Mills, who has just been returned to the church for the second year's pastorate.

The old church building was replaced by the present beautiful and commodious sanctuary in 1894 under the pastorate of Rev. W. P. Schott (now deceased) at a cost of $10,000, and the Sunday school room was enlarged to meet the

It seems to have been the custom, in those days, for the Lutheran and Reformed people in a community to join forces in the erection of a church building, and to worship together, or to have separate services on alternate Sabbaths. Thus it happens that the history of the Reformed Church of Fremont begins in connection with the St. John's Lutheran Church. In 1842 a congregation was incorporated, under the name of the Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed St. John's congregation. In 1843 this congregation purchased the old court house property. At first, a Lutheran minister was on the field holding regular services, but the Reformed, as yet, had no pastor. Accordingly, on January 1, 1853, it was decided to change the name to that of the Evangelical-Lutheran St. John's congregation, and with the change of name St. John's congregation also acquired the title to the church property, in 1856.

About the year 1857, through the influence of Henry W. Imler, the Rev. Jeremiah Heller. a German Reformed minister, organized a distinct congregation. The earliest record of their proceedings is dated November 5, 1857. The following persons were elected elders: E. B. Buchman, Michael Binkley and Alexander Neamann; deacons: Frederick Tschumy, John Melhaupt and H. Zweler. They were inducted into office on November 9, 1857, when preparations were begun for the erection of a church edifice, and a lot was purchased on South Front Street. In 1858 a church was built on the same. The corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies on June 5, 1858, and the church was finally completed and dedicated on January 1, 1859.

On February 1, 1862, at a joint meeting, the Salem congregation of the Four-Mile House, and the Fremont congregation were united as one charge. The following were elected trustees; Fremont congregation: Daniel Karshner, D. Koons and Peter Bauman; Salem congregation: A. Hensel, Peter King and William Rearick. J. J. Seibert was elected treasurer, and George B. Heller, clerk. With the congregation thus organized and equipped the pastorate of Rev. Heller came to a close.

The next pastor was the Rev. J. B. Thompson who began his labors in 1863. He served five years and then resigned. Rev. James Leibert entered upon his duties as pastor April 9, 1868. In the fall of 1870 he contracted a severe type of typhoid fever from which he died November 13, 1870. After the death of Rev. Leibert the congregation was supplied for over a year by professors and students from Heidelberg Theological Seminary, at Tiffin, Rev. Reuben Good and C. G. A. Hullhorst preaching the most of that time.

At the meeting of General Synod in 1869, the name of the denomination was changed to that of the Reformed Church in the United States. Since that time this congregation has been known as the First Reformed Church of Fremont, the word "German" being omitted. In 1872 Theodore J. Bacher, a theological student at Heidelberg, took charge of the congregation and upon his graduation from the seminary was ordained and installed as pastor. He served until 1875, when failing health obliged him to resign.

Rev. Jesse Richards succeeded Rev. Bacher. After a pastorate of about five years, he resigned June 1, 1881. September 13, 1881, Fremont and Salem congregations were divided. The Salem congregation and the congregation at Lindsey were constituted a charge known as the Lindsey charge, and the Fremont congre~ gation was constituted a separate charge, though the congregation southeast of Fremont was served for some time by the pastor from Fremont. Rev. J. I. Swander, of Tiffin, was next called. He began his labors in September of 1881, and continued until April, 1893. Rev. James S. Keppel succeeded Dr. Swander April I, 1894. He served the congregation for nearly four years, closing his pastorate January 1, 1898. The eighth regular pastor of the congregation was Rev. J. C. Smith, his labors extending from May 1, 1898, to the spring of 1904. On April 24, 1904, the congregation extended a call to George W. Good, a senior in Heidelberg Theological Seminary, and after his graduation and licensure, he entered upon his work May 8th. He was ordained and installed May 22, 1904.

The membership and attendance of church and Sunday school becoming largely increased, the need of a Sunday school,room was seriously felt, but on account of the rather unfortunate location of the church, which was liable to be visited by possible floods, it was deemed best to re-locate the same. After casting about by the consistory, a 'meeting of the congregation was held April 29, 1906, to consider the question of purchasing the old Buckland homestead, corner of Birchard and Park Avenues. The congregation voted to purchase the property for $7,400 and to remodel it for church purposes. At this meeting $2,475 was pledged to this end. The first floor of this historic old home was converted into a main auditorium, a main Sunday school room and a primary room. The church was dedicated September 9, 1906. The second floor was transformed into an

St. John's Lutheran. - From 1820 to 1830 Lutherans from Pennsylvania and Germany began to locate in Lower Sandusky, and were served by missionaries from western Pennsy]lvania and from Somerset, Ohio. Rev. A. Conrad, of Tiffin, served this people from that place from 1836 to 1841. Rev. J. J. Beilharz also from Tiffin, succeeded Mr. Conrad and served from 1841 to 1843, when Rev. Henry Lang commenced to serve this congregation.

The congregation in 1843 purchased from the county the old court house, as has already been related in this volume. Here Mr. Lang lived until his death; here he held services for

The erection of the present edifice was begun in 1858 and completed and dedicated in 1861. Here as in the old court house, Mr. Lang continued his faithful services, preaching in both the English and German languages.

He was pastor of the congregation for fortysix years; he died in 1890. After Mr. Lang's death, Rev. E. Pfeiffer was called to the charge. Part of the time Rev. Carl Ackerman was associated with Mr. Pfeiffer on the charge. During Mr. Pfeiffer's pastorate, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized, and called Mr. Pfeiffer as pastor, which call was accepted by him, causing a vacancy in the pastorate of St. John's. Rev. George Mochel in 1893 was called to St. John's and served until 1906, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. W. F. Rose.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran - For many years the need of an English Lutheran Church in Fremont had been felt. A very large proportion of the young people was being instructed and confirmed in the English language, and forasmuch as the regular English services, until January, 1891, were few and far between, many stayed away and were lost to the St. John's congregation.

Little by little the necessity of a division of the congregation into separate German and English congregations dawned upon many who had heretofore regarded the idea with disfavor. After much preparatory work had been done, a resolution to effect the proposed dissolution was carried without a dissenting vote.

Those who were interested in the formation of an English congregation met on Sunday afternoon, March 20, 1892, and organized as the Grace Evangelical Lutheran congregation. A charter was applied for and secured by the following: H. C. Grund, W. E. Lang, Peter Harris, T. A. Lang, and L. P. Zimmerman. The newly organized congregation held a meeting on March 27th, and extended a call to Rev. E. Pfeiffer, the pastor of St. John's congregation. This call was accepted, and on May Ist, Rev. Pfeiffer was installed as pastor of Grace congregation.

A lot at the corner of Garrison and Clover Streets was purchased, and a commodious modern church building was erected. The corner stone was laid Sunday, August 14, 1892, and the dedication took place April 9, 1893. The congregation prospered and grew, and, at the expiration of Rev. Pfeiffer's pastorate (1899) numbered more than 500 members. The congregation had also, in a comparatively short period, paid for its property, and erected a parsonage besides. The first pastor deserves much praise for his able administration of the affairs of Grace congregation.

In March, 1899, Rev. Pfeiffer accepted a call to the fourth theological professorship at Capitol University, Columbus, Ohio. The congregation extended a call to Rev. Walter E. Tressel, of Baltimore, Maryland. This call was accepted, and the new pastor entered upon his duties as pastor of Grace congregation on the first Sunday of September, 1899. During the ten years of the present pastorate the congregation has continued to grow and now numbers 1,032 communicant members and 1,700 souls. The congregation has no indebtedness of any kind, is harmonious and active, well organized and progressive; has a large graded Sunday school; its various societies are doing a noble work, and pastor and people pray for a continuance of the divine blessing upon themselves and their labors.

Methodist Episcopal Church - The first preliminary organization, known as a "class," of this church, at Lower Sandusky, was formed by Rev. James Montgomery in 1820. The members were himself, his wife and daughter, who was afterwards Sallie Ingham, and a local minister from Springfield. In 1822 Jacob Bowlus, father of our present venerable citizen, Jacob A. Bowlus, with his wife, his four sisters, Joel Strahn and his wife, Sarah, Thomas White, Thomas L. Hawkins and Nancy Hallo- way joined the class. Shortly after, Edmund OQ. Cooley, Rebecca Prior, a Mrs. Tyler, and a Mrs. Wilson united with the same. This early Methodist society was supplied by ministers from Huron circuit until in 1823, when Lower Sandusky circuit was formed as a part of the Lancaster district, with Rev. William Swazy presiding elder, and Rev. Benaja Boardman, preacher, in charge of the society, and circuit to which it belonged. There were ninety-seven members, in all, in the circuit, which embraced the region up and down the Sandusky River, where there were any settlements. Rev. E. H. Fields was the next minister. He was succeeded in 1825 by Rev. J. W. Clarke, who was followed in 1826 by Rev. Arza Brown. In 1828 J. Hill and A. Bellings came and served one year, when they were succeeded by B. Cooper and William Sprague. The distinguished Russell Bigelow was presiding elder of the district. In 1830 E. Day and E. C. Gavitt were appointed to the circuit. In 1832 Elmer Yocum and J. Martin had charge of the circuit. They were followea by C. Goddard and J. B. Austin, and they in turn, by William Sullivan and J. T. Kellum, in 1834. This year the cholera prevailed to an alarming extent. Mr. Kellum in a letter writes: "On my way to Lower Sandusky I was stopped by a kind friend, some three miles above the town, and informed that there were but three living persons in the place. I staid with him over night and the next morning rode to town and found Mr. Birchard, Judge Hulburd and Dr. Rawson. All others had fled from the cholera."

Lack of space prevents mentioning all the ministers who have had charge of this church. Prior to 1834 the society met in the historic log schoolhouse where the new high school building (1909) stands. The first public house of worship was erected in 1834, on the lot now owned by Mrs. Hilbish, corner of Garrison and Arch Streets, a large frame, which was occupied until 1851 during the pastorate of Rev. S. M. Beatty, when a brick edifice on the site of the present one at corner of Birchard and Park Avenues was completed and dedicated. The corner stone was laid in 1850, and is preserved in the present church at the side entrance.

During the pastorate of Rev. D. D. Mather the erection of a beautiful and large edifice was begun, the corner stone of which was laid August 23rd, 1883. The building committee was John Stierwalt, R. B. Hayes, E. H. Bristol, H. R. Finefrock, B. Meek, D. June, C. B. White, T. F. Siegfried and B. R. Dudrow. This building was completed in 1885 and. dedicated March 1. The cost was $21,000. At the dedication $9,323 was raised, of which, one fourth was pledged by ex-President R. B. Hayes. He contributed one-fourth of the entire cost of the building. It was occupied till February 6, 1888, when it was almost totally destroyed by fire, the foundation and some parts of the walls only remaining uninjured.

On the same evening of the fire, the pastor Rev. J. M. Mills and the official board met and unanimously resolved to rebuild. The work was immediately commenced, and before the close of the year, 1888, the present fine edifice, almost phoenix-like arose from the ashes; and was dedicated by Dr. J. W. Hamilton, who had, in 1885, dedicated the former building. The building cost more than the one destroyed, but with the insurance money paid on: the burnt edifice and liberality of the membership and friends, the entire cost was soon paid. A commodious brick parsonage has been built since its completion. Since its erection the. society has been served by the' following pastors: J. L. Albritton, J: W. Holland, D. H: Bailey and J. Ja Hoffman, the latter having just completed four years' service; and Dr. E. D. Whitlock having been appointed to succeed him. The exact cost of this splendid structure cannot now be*given 'for lack of information, which the editor has been unable to procure. "The names of all the Sunday school superintendents canhot here be. given. W. /W. Ross, superintendent of the public schools had' been superintendent of this Suriday School at the time of his death in 1906 for more than twenty-five aah . He was succeeded by Mr. "Seeley, W:

There were present, Revs. Enoch Conger, Xenophen Betts and Ellory Bascom of Huron Presbytery ; and David Camp and his wife Elizabeth, Jacques Hulburd and Sophia, his wife, Alexander Ross and Hannah, his wife, Joseph Cookson and Mary, his wife, Samuel Crowell and Mary, his wife, James Ross and his wife, Nancy Cookson, Margaret Nyce, Eunice Everett, wife of Jeremiah Everett, Samuel Moore, W. C. Otis, Henry Spohn, John Magee and Ruth Magee.

The first minister to serve the congregation was Rev. Ellory Bascom. The society was incorporated by act of the State legislature in March, 1837, by the name of The First Presbyterian Church of Lower Sandusky. The first trustees were Jacques Hulburd, Samuel Crowell and W. C. Otis. The church's first settled place of meeting, about 1840, to 1847, was a two-story frame, on the south side of East State Street, east side of the river, near the bridge.

In 1847 a house, 45 by 60 feet was completed and dedicated, on the site of the present building, and in 1852 a brick lecture and Sunday school room was added on the west side of the church.

In March, 1869, this building was demolished, for the erection of a better one, and by April 27, 1873, the present edifice at a cost of about $40,000, was finished and dedicated free of debt: Sardis Birchard and F. S. White each contributed $7,000 toward the cost of its erection. While this edifice was in process of erection, the congregation met in Birchard Hall until in 'January, 1870, when the basement was in proper condition for services to be held therein.

of the river, in the early spring of 1907, a definite move was made by the First Presbyterian Church toward the erection and maintenance of a chapel. The late J. B. Van Doren donated the lot at the corner of Fifth and Howland Streets, and about $4,000 were expended upon the present beautiful building. The Sunday school was organized in November, 1906, and has grown to a membership of 250. Mr. Walter T. Childs has been the superintendent from the start. A regular prayer meeting, missionary society and preaching services are maintained.

The ministers serving the church before the installation of a regular pastor with date of commencement of such services were: Ellory Bascom, 1833; Enoch Conger, May, 1835; John McCutchin, May, 1837; H. A. Reed, ' October, 1837. The first pastor installed was Ferris Fitch, May 16, 1839. Mr. Fitch was a very earnest and effective temperance advocate. During the winter of 1840-41 he prepared and caused to be signed the following temperance pledge, which for its historic value is deemed worthy to be given in the history of this church:

"We agree not to use intoxicating drinks as a beverage, nor traffic in them, nor provide them at our entertainments, nor for persons in our employ; but in all suitable ways to discountenance their use."

Mr. Fitch was succeeded by W. W. Backus who was called September, 1844; but served for a short time only. The second pastor installed was F. S. White, October 20, 1847; Henry A. Rossiter came in November, 1852, and remained two years and was followed by Francis Hendricks, July, 1855. The third pastor installed was Ebenezer Bushnell, May, 1857. He remained twenty-five years. Charles E. Barnes was installed the fourth pastor, November, 1882. The fifth pastor installed was A. G. Lane, in the fall of 1892, and the sixth and present pastor installed was Clarence G. Miller, April, 1906.

A Sunday school was commenced in 1831, of which the present is the evolution. Among the superintendents were, J. A. Johnson, C. J. Pettibone, C. G. McCulloch, Dr. Frank Williams, J. B. G. Downs, C. R. McCulloch, Mr. Severance, Dr. Geo. E. Smith, Mr. Finley, John G: Fitch; se. A.) Seibert: and Drs. AwG: Thatcher, the present superintendent.

C. R. McCulloch was superintendent continuously from 1851 to 1884, when he was succeeded by Mr. Severance. After an interval of a few years he was again called to this position and continued for three more years, when he was succeeded by E. A. Seibert and was chosen superintendent emeritus, which position he now occupies in the school. Mr. McCulloch has been a ruling elder for forty

The fiftieth anniversary of the founding of this church was appropriately celebrated November 30, 1883, as was also the seventyfifth anniversary, November 30, 1908.

The following ruling elders have served the congregation from 1833 to the present time, in the order named: David Camp, William C. Otis, Ezra Williams, John Tindall, Samuel Hafford, Samuel Clark, Franklin Williams, C. J. Pettibone, George Wall, J. B. G. Downs, Joseph T. Moss, Thomas Gilmore, R. W. B. McLellan, Thomas Stilwell, C. R. McCulloch (present), Isaac M. Keeler, John G. Fitch, E. Loudenslager (present), William G. Walters, Monroe W. Seibert, John Day (present), David B. Love (present), William H. Barnum (present), Dr. A. G. Thatcher (present), Edward A. Seibert, R. W. Sherrard (present), and Basil Meek (present).

St. Paul's Church. - This parish was organized in the year 1842. The articles of association were signed January 12th, by twentyeight citizens. On January 25th, D. E. Fields and W. C. Otis were chosen wardens. John Foo tayues, 7s. Coles, jonn eh, Pease, ~~ B. Taylor and N. B. Eddy were elected vestrymen. <A few of the earlier services were held

Arch Streets. Rev. Mr. O'Kill was the first minister, but he served only a short time. Rey. William Fagg was pastor for one year, 1842-43, and he was paid four hundred dollars. Meetings were held about this time in the old stone schoolhouse, and subsequently in the court house, until 1843-44, when a brick church edifice was erected on the site of the present beautiful building corner Park Avenue and Court Street, and consecrated November 14, 1845. In 1844 Rev. Humphrey Hollis was chosen rector at a salary of $500 per year. He continued in charge until August, 1846, when he was succeeded by Rev. Oliver Taylor who resigned July 1, 1847. From 1847 to the rectorship of Rev. Roadenbush, who has just resigned, the parish has been served by the following rectors: Revs. H. P. Powers, H. T. Hiester, R. L. Chittenden, William Fulton, Alanson Phelps, Charles H. Young, R. L.

In 1872-73 the church building was enlarged, the interior reconstructed and newly furnished with carpets and other improvements, costing in all about $8,000.

The wardens have been from the organization of the church, D. E. Fields, W. C. Otis, Alvin Coles, A. J. Dickinson, Dr. J. W. Wilson, R. P. Buckland, Daniel Capper, Charles Trowbridge, John Flaugher, H. S. Buckland and E. J. McElroy.

The present vestrymen are: C. Hatfield, M. Holderman, C. P. Bliss, G. W. Haynes, E. H. Burgoon, M. H. Wrigley, V. D. Butman, Frank Lee, A. O. Bauman, J. W. Rice.

The First Brethren Church was organized by Rev. H. M. Loose, in 1900, with twelve members. The first trustees were H. D. Shafer, J. L. Speck and D. Sellers. In 1901-02 this society did mission work from a rented room on Croghan Street. In 1903 a neat frame church edifice was built, located on South Street in Flower Valley, Fremont, the cost of which was $2,500, and in 1905 a parsonage was erected at a cost of $2,500. The present membership is sixty. The present trustees are J. L. Speck, Calvin Loose and David Sellers.

Rev. H. M. Loose is pastor, and being so fortunate in his own worldly possessions as not to need a salary, he generously serves his congregation without a money consideration. This society, denominationally considered, is of the German Baptist or Dunkard faith.

First Church of Christ, Scientist - First Church of Christ, Scientist, Fremont, Ohio, was organized October 4, 1900, with nine members. The reading room was opened to the public June 5, 1901, where Christian Science Literature is read. The first Wednesday evening, testimonial meeting was held, July 17, 1901. The church obtained its charter February 3, 1902. The Sunday services are conducted by two readers known as the First Reader and the Second Reader. The

African M. E. Church, was organized about 1868, and a church building was then erected on the east side. Among its founders were, Thomas V. Curtiss, Charles Curtiss, A. Revells, and T. G. Reese. This congregation has a membership of about thirty-five, and maintains regular Sunday services morning and evening. It also maintains a Sunday-school. The church building has recently been improved and is in good condition. The preacher in charge is Rev. Mr. Artis, who lives in Toledo, Ohio.

THomas L. Hawkins and ExisHa W. How.Lanp. - At the close of the War of 1812. Thomas L. Hawkins, one of the most original of characters and best of citizens, was placed in charge of the government property at Fort Stephenson. He and his great crony, Elisha W. Howland, had served together in the War of 1812, both being in the engagement at Lundy's Lane, near Niagara, in July, 1814. After the battle of the Thames in Canada, the spoils of the victory were brought by Harrison to Fort Stephenson. Among these was General Proctor's carriage which he had used to hitch oxen to it and take carriage rides. Scraping away the paifit with his jack-knife he concluded there had been at least a dozen coats. One was a peach-blow color. The carriage was probably very old.

Hawkins was keeper of the magazine at Fort Meigs during the siege. Howe says: "A large number of cannon balls were thrown into the fort from the batteries on the opposite side of the river. Being short of a supply, Harrison offered a gill of whisky for every cannon ball delivered over to Hawkins, the magazine keeper. Over 1,000 gills of whisky were thus earned by the soldiers."

In 1817 Hawkins was one of the fifteen men who formed the Kentucky company for the purchase and sale of land in Lower Sandusky, and was appointed their land agent to attend the government land sales at Delaware and purchase lots 8 and 9, which included all that part of our present Fremont between parallels intersecting the river near the State Street bridge, and the L. S$. & M. S. bridge. This tract was made into town lots and divided among the fifteen share holders.

At the village election the preceding year, 1816, Hawkins's name is among the thirtythree voters. In 1818 Hawkins, embued with the earnest spirits of the early pioneers, joined with Thomas Boswell in digging the mill race which for so many years ran the river flouringmill; built the dam; and erected near the foot of Birchard Avenue, a diminutive, well ventilated grist-mill, which in every way merited the appellation of a primitive ''corn cracker." Here came the settlers for miles around and patiently waited from sunrise till twilight for the slowly moving millstones to grind out their meal. Boswell soon sold out to Howland, and the two old friends went together again. on their diverting way.

Mr. Hawkins was a devout Methodist, frequently preaching in later years; while Howland, large in frame and hand and voice, used to relieve his mind by swearing like a pirate. Hawkins was a perpetual tinker, and used to say he could do anything with putty and tenpenny nails. Howland also was a carpenter, and in 1819 the two constructed the Pegasus, classic for horseboat, the most remarkable craft that ever plied the Sandusky River. It consisted of two large canoes, side by side, separated by a platform large enough to carry a superstructure of machinery, a large amount of freight and several passengers. The machinery was worked by four horses which in turn worked paddles on each side of the boat. The Pegasus aimed to make three trips a week from this place to Portland as Sandusky was then called. 'The passage of forty miles constituted a good day's work under the most faorable circumstances. She continued to run until June 29, 1824, when a severe storm damaged her beyond repair.

The Pegasus was not the only boat that testified to Hawkins's inventive genius. Before a bridge had been provided here, he constructed a ferryboat propelled by paddle wheels driven by dog-power after the style of a dog churn.

Mr. Hawkins not only wrote the prologue,. but he painted the scenery and acted the principal parts, as the closing line of the prologue suggests. The play was given in the historic old tavern, on the site of the present Wheeling & Lake Erie station.

Tn 1853 Mr. Hawkins published through a Columbus house a volume of 'Poetic Miscellany and World's Wonder," the latter part being "'an exposition of the Wiles of the Devil, more especially in the manifestations of clairvoyance, demonology, mesmerism or what is more fashionably called the Science of Animal Magnetism." One of the most popular of his poems: -was "Betsy Croghan."

Mr. Hawkins it was who identified "Old Betsy": 'in the Pittsburg arsenal, recognizing it.by a scar on its breech. As commissary at Fort 'Stephenson in his earlier srt he had known the gin thoroughly.

Protecting Sandusky's noble landing, _ The frontier of Ohio! Thy pickets alas! are' all unreared, No faithful sentinel on guard, Nor band of soldiers well prepared, Defending great Ohio.

ExrisHa W. Howtanp served a term as associate judge commencing in 1827. He built the first jail in the county. In the matter of the change of name of the county seat from Lower Sandusky to Fremont, he entered a vigorous protest in rhyme, which appears in a former chapter of this work.

Lucy Evitiot KEELER, daughter of Isaac M. and Jeanette Elliot Keeler, was born in Fremont and received her education in the local public schools, and at Wells College, Aurora, New York. Miss Keeler is endowed with superior qualities of mind, to which have been added the culture and refinement incident to study, reading and travel. She is, by inheritance and experience, gifted as a writer; and for a good many years has been an editorial writer for the Youth's Companion. Many contributions from her pen have appeared, from time to time, in the leading magazines of the country. Miss Keeler is the author of the following books for young people:

"Old Fort Sandoski of 1745, and the Sandusky Country." (1908) _ Ohio Arch. & Hist. Society. "Spiegel Grove." (1909) Ohio Arch. & Hist. Society. é iss Keeler prepared for the Editor, the article in this history on Spiegel Grove, the home of President Hayes. Her kinship to Mr. Hayes and intimate acquaintance with his family and home-life, especially qualified her for the task accomplished.

ESTELLE AVERY SHARPE, was born in Fremont, the youngest child of Isaac and Elizabeth Sharpe, who came to Fremont in 1832. She was graduated from the public schools in 1876. Later, she was graduated from Oberlin College.

Miss Sharpe taught for a number of years in the high schools of Fremont, Bellevue and Napoleon, also writing for the educational journals and occasionally instructing at county

Miss Sharpe was early interested in history, literature and science, but with the growth of years, her interest shifted to politics, sociology and economics. Her study made her a profound believer in democracy, which, in its perfect form, she believes is the organization of opportunity for all; the governmental embodiment of'the second of Christ's two commandments, "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Out of her hatred of trusts and monopolies, which are, to her thought, the denial of the basic principle of democracy, viz., "special privileges to none," sprang her "Rubaiyat of John Rockefeller,' which purports to voice, through the verse of Omar Khayam, the feelings and purposes of the founder of the best known of the trusts.

Believing that no reforms can be lasting until true social character is formed, until society is trained "to think and act justice," until it is habituated to act upon the Golden Rule and not merely repeat it on Sunday, Miss Sharpe, under the auspices of the Col. Croghan Chapter of the D. A. R., prepared an outline of social ethics for the use of parents and teachers. From this small beginning the work grew into a book of three volumes, entitled: '""Foundation Stones of a Successful Career: Conversational Lessons on Social Ethics for Home and School."" The work is a storehouse of ethical material, - dissertation, explanations, poems, quotations, illustrative stories, anecdotes, fables, etc. Justice - to each his own, his due, his right - is made the fundamental virtue.

Miss Sharpe resigned her position in the Fremont public schools to go abroad in 1901. She expects to spend her remaining years in traveling, devoting her attention to the economic problems of the various countries visited.

FLORENCE CHANCE HUNTLEY, was born in Fremont, the daughter of the late Henry Chance, widely known as a_ temperance reformer and a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of three brothers older than Florence, one, Non. Mahlon Chance, entered political life, and two were regular army officers, one being Capt. Josiah Chance, and the other, General Jesse C. Chance, retired, the only survivor, late of Fremont, now about to make his residence in Florida. After her course in the public schools, Chance was sent to Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, with more the hope of correcting her religious views, which were regarded by her father as heretical, than for the educational advantages of that institution, but she graduated from there, retaining her heretical views, as before. The climax of a girl of free thinking tendencies was her marriage to Stanley Huntley, wit and humorist, then editor of the "Tribune," at Bismarck, North Dakota, and afterwards famous as the author of the Spoopendyke sketches, done on the Brooklyn "Eagle." With the death of Mr. Huntley, in 1885, began his wife's independent literary life, first as a political news writer from North Dakota to the St. Paul and Minneapolis dailies, next as editor and humorous paragrapher on the Minneapolis "Tribune," which was resigned for a similar position on the Washington "Post," in 1890. This, in turn, was abandoned for independent work, which included a Congressional news bureau for the "Kansas News;" short stories for the "National Tribune" at Washington, D. C., and Capitol gossip for New York and Chicago 'papers.

Mrs. Huntley is editor of the series of publications of the Indo-American Book Co., of Chicago, and.author of the following books, among others, published by this Company: "Harmonics of Evolution: The Philosophy of

These and the other books by Mrs. Huntley, and her editorial management mentioned are the result of her researches in the realm of the occult philosophy, embraced by her some years ago, which she terms the School of Natural Science, and which researches caused her to

WivzBur G. ZEIGLER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Zeigier, was born and educated in Fremont, graduating from the high school in the class of 1876. He studied law, first with Judge Henry McKinney at Cleveland, and afterwards completing his law course with R. P. and H. S. Buckland in Fremont. He was admitted to the bar by the Ohio Supreme Court in March, 1881, and became a member of the law firm, with Gen. R. P. and H. S. Buckland. He at once displayed ability, not only in the practice of law, 'but also in literature, in writing for newspapers and magazines. He assisted Hon. Homer Everett in the editorial work of the history of Sandusky County by Mr. Everett in 1882.

Mr. Zeigler was joint author with Mr. B. S. Grosscup in the work entitled "The Heart of the Alleghanies," published in 1883, before he left Fremont for San Francisco, where he now resides. This book ran through two editions. He has since written "It was Marlowe; A Story of the Secret of Three Centuries," published in 1898. This is a historical novel of the Elizabethan era with the author's original theory maintained in it that, at least, the stronger of the so-called Shakespeare plays, were written by Christopher Marlowe. After the late destruction of San Francisco by earthquake and fire he wrote the book entitled "The Story of the Great Disaster," published in 1906. Thirty-five thousand copies of this book have been issued by the press. Mr. Zeigler is still engaged in the active and successful practice of law, in San Francisco, notwithstanding his work in the field of literature, which to him,

Hiram Mok Greene, son of Judge John L. Greene and Emma S. Greene, was born in Fremont, Ohio, and received his education in the city public schools.

He studied law with Garver & Garver, and afterwards completed his law course at the University of Virginia; and after being admitted to the bar located in his native city, and there opened an office and entered upon the practice. But his inclinations were more toward literature than the law and he began writing for the newspapers, at first over the nom de plume "Timothy Hay." His efforts then were short poems, some of which were published in the Cleveland '"'Leader." He soon abandoned his nom de plume and wrote over his own name. His contributions were published in the newspapers and publications with a rural appeal, "Ohio State Journal,' "Ohio Farmer, Home and Flowers," and others. He also contributed in verse for "Life" and for "Types" a humorous series entitled, "Ancient Myths in Modern Version," and also a number of humorous poems for that publication. During the gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, that resulted in the election of Nash, he went to Toledo, on the Toledo "Times" staff as political editor. After the campaign he returned to Fremont, and for a short time worked on the Fremont "Journal" for B. F. Jackson, then its publisher. Next he became city editor of the Fremont "Daily Messenger,' and then closed up his law office and adopted literature as his life work. From the "Messenger" he went to Columbus to write for the American Press Association, as day editor, then as night editor, at the same time writing in humorous vein, mostly in prose and verse, regularly for the magazine section of the Pittsburgh "Sunday Gazette."

In 1904 he became assistant business manager of the "Pilgrim Magazine," published at Battle Creek, and in 1905 general manager and editorial writer. In 1906 he was vith the Bobbs-Merrell Company, book publishers at Indianapolis, as editor of the "Home Magazine,' remaining with them until in 1908, when the company sold the magazine to south-

In March, 1909, he went to Boston to edit 'Ideal Homes," a monthly magazine devoted to the beautifying and practical improvement of the home and the profitable betterment of the home interest, in town and in country life, in which capacity he is now serving. He has also written some short fiction, which has appeared in the "Saturday Evening Post" and "Everybody's Magazine," and other magazines.

HoMeER Everert is the author of a "History of Sandusky County," published by H. Z. Williams & Bro., in 1882, and also of numerous historical sketches and addresses published in the local papers of his day.

FRANK C. Cutty, whose boyhood days were spent in Lower Sandusky, wrote a book in Igol, entitled, "Barbara: A Romance of the Lower Sandusky Valley." It is a tale of the War of 1812-1813, founded upon facts con-

Mr. Cully wrote under the pseudonym of "Major Clinton." He dedicates Barbara to his mother in the following words: 'Who in my boyhood days dispelled many a gloomy hour with her stories of the early times in Ohio and the Lower Sandusky Valley * * *, to her memory through the love of her oldest son, this volume is dedicated with the hope that in her spirit life, she may hear the echoings of this story now told."

Rev. J. I. Swanper, D. D., while pastor of the First Reformed Church in Fremont wrote and published two books, one entitled "The Substantial Philosophy," the other "The Reformed Church."

Miss Jutta Haynes is theauthorof an interesting and instructive "Monograph," published by the Ohio Archeological and Historical Society, entitled '"Fremont in History." historical sketches of churches, together with biographies of early ministers and early prominent members; reports in pamphlet form of soldiers' reunions and the Pioneer and Historical Society proceedings; reports of important court trials; and is the author of a book entitled, "History and Genealogy of the Burgner Family in America," copyrighted and published by him at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1890.

Gen. R. B. Hayes in a letter to Mr. Burgner dated July 13, 1891, writes: "It is a painstaking account of a Swiss family who came to America before the old French war. It is especially valuable, as the books about German families in the Colonial period are very rare. I congratulate you on your book."

The Continental Sugar Company. When the company located at Fremont in 1900 it was expected that Sandusky County farmers would rally to the protection and development of the requirements of the factory in the matter of the cultivation of the sugar beet, and during the early years of its operation a reasonably satisfactory tonnage was secured. In later years, however, the local interest seems to have fallen off, and the company has gone into wider territory for the necessary material for conducting the plant. During 1908 considerably less than 1,000 acres were contracted in Sandusky County, and for 1909 that mark was not reached. The usual limit of production is from eight to twelve tons per acre, Sandusky County barely reaching the fair average. Individual instances of over twenty tons per acre of this crop have been reached in some sections. ;

The Fremont plant was originally constructed for slicing 350 tons of beets per day, but during its operation has been improved and enlarged in minor details, so that it now handles over 450 tons during every day of the campaign. Since the factory was built in 1900 it has produced nearly fifty-three million pounds of sugar at this plant.

It may be of interest in this connection to give a paragraph from the "Lower Sandusky Whig." dated June 22, 1839: "We were much pleased this morning with a visit to the garden of Isaac Norton in this place and a view of his sugar beets, a beautiful specimen of this plant; being from 5 to 6 feet in height. He informs us that he set out 'about 200 plants and thinks he shall have a bushel of seed. We would urge upon the farmers of our county a trial of this crop."

The Clauss Shear Company. In 1878 a company for the manufacture of shears was formed at Elyria, Ohio, with Hon. T. L. Nelson as president, and John H. Clauss, secretary and treasurer. At that time the industry was a new one, being the first manufactory of the kind west of New Jersey and Connecticut, and the problem of success or failure in the unknown field was enigmatical.

What was then the Elyria Shear Company has grown to the mammoth establishment - known as the Clauss Shear Company of Fremont, having removed to this city October 1, L857.

Employing but six men at the outset, for two years the goods manufactured were entirely of iron, but John H. Clauss, the secretary, foresaw that the trade would demand a better article, and in 1880 the manufacture of Solid Steel Shears was commenced. It is now the largest factory of the kind in the country, having an extensive plant, thoroughly equipped and has 400 employees. Its capital stock is

The Christy Knife Company was incorporated in August, 1891, with a capital stock of $10,000.00. The company manufactures kitchen specialties and employs 75 people. J. R. Christy is president and manager; and C. J. Christy, secretary and treasurer.

The R. J. Christy Company was incorporated February I1, 1905, with a capital stock of $10,000. This company manufactures safety razors and employs 140 people. J. R. Christy is president.

The A. H. Jackson Manufacturing Company now having factories at Fremont, Sandusky, Clyde, Bellevue and Tiffin, and also four retail stores, one each at Fremont, Sandusky, Tiffin and Clyde, was started seventeen years ago by A. H. Jackson and F. H. Anderson, with twenty sewing machines, and today is the largest manufactory of muslin and flannelette undergarments in the United States. This com- pany made and put on the market the first ladies' flannelette gown, and is the pioneer of the flannelette underwear business, and manufactures more than all the rest of its competitors put together. Its capital is $400,000.00. The home factory employs 350 persons, men and women, the latter of whom number on the average 275. The officers of the company are A. H. Jackson, president and treasurer, and F. H. Anderson, vice-president, secretary and general manager.

The Star Mills are a land mark familiar to old residents of this community. The mill- was built in 1860 by D. L. June. It was known in early days as the '"'Seagle Mills" and afterwards owned by Demon Camfield, William Curtice, Camfield & Geesman, Royce & Koons Bros., Bowlus & Berry, Quale & Berry, Van Epps & Cox and finally was bought by William A. Cox, who still retains the property.

In 1883 Van Epps & Cox built a 25,000 bushel grain elevator in the rear of the mill. This plant turns out thousands of barrels of flour, and handles thousands of bushels of grain and food-stuff each year.

The Fremont Kraut Company is among the largest single concerns of the kind in the country, and was organized in 1906, with a capital stock of $25,000: The capacity of its factory is 150 tons of cabbage daily, and it gives employment to 70 persons. The officers are E. B. Smith, president; A. E. Slessman, vice-president and manager; W. E. Proctor, secretary and treasurer.

The Trommer Company. This company is the successor of the firm formed in 1874 for the manufacture of malt extract, known as the Trommer Extract of Malt Company.

Dr. John B. Rice, a member of the firm, having, while an army surgeon in the Civil War, witnessed the beneficial effects of the use, in surgical cases and in persons convalescing from disease, of an article known as the Trommer Malt Extract, and been favorably impressed with its remedial value, acquired for his firm from Prof. Trommer, who was an eminent German chemist, his formula for its manufacture, together with the privilege to manufacture and sell the article generally, except in Germany. The firm thereupon com- menced its manufacture according to the formula thus obtained, but after two or three years' experience, discovered that by this process a very valuable element known as diastase, which was contained in malt, was destroyed, and the extract thereby rendered much less valuable than it would be if this element were preserved.

After experimentation, the chemist of the firm discovered a process by which the diastase could be preserved in the extract; and the firm then commenced the manufacture of the article according to the new process, on a large scale, and for the next few years, the sales were enormous and the profits correspondingly large. In 1889 the business was sold to the present owners for $88,000, upon a guaranteed statement that the annual sales for the three previous years had amounted to a certain sum.

In 1894 a branch office was established in London, England, which after about eight years, was sold to an English Syndicate. In 1900 a new and valuable product known as palmiacol was added to the business. The company employs thirty persons in and about the factory and business. The officers of the company are Ed H. Zurhorst, president; W. S. Lewis, secretary, and N. C. Sherwood, treasurer and general manager.

The Fremont Furmture Company was originally The Rogers Furniture Company. The Fremont Furniture Company have occupied their present plant since 1892. Its plant covers two acres of ground, and the company is capitalized for $100,000, $50,000 of which has been paid in. The average number of employes is sixty. The present officers are O. L. Miller, president and treasurer; T. P. McGahan, vice-president and secretary, and A. H. Downing, general manager. The concerr manufactures furniture specialties and wooc novelties.

tween Jonathan Stierwalt, contractor and builder at Fremont, and E. J. Carter, who in 1889 came from, Akron, Ohio. These two gentlemen originally purchased the account file business conducted by J. B. Van Doren Company, who were conducting the business under the Stull Bros.' patents in territory west of the Mississippi River. In December, 1892, they purchaged the interest and complete patents of Stull Bros., who were conducting their business in a small business room on West State Street: The following year the company moved to a building on Whittlesey Street, which had been especially put up for their purpose and which they occupied until their new factory was built and completed in 1892, at the corner of Napoleon and Jackson Streets.

Two years after the partnership was organized, they reorganized into a stock company under the name of the Simple Account File Company, with capital stock of $40,000. A few years later this was increased to $75,000 and later on to $100,000. In 1904 the company was reorganized with an increased capital 'of $250,000, $125,000 of which was common stock and $125,000 was six per cent preferred stock, all of which has been issued with the exception of $50,000 preferred stock.

For the first few years the company was engaged only in the manufacture and sale of account files under Stull Bros.' patents. A few years later they went into the manufacture of duplicating sales books, and a year or two after that further increased their business by engaging in the manufacture of credit systems. In 1905 they purchased the business of the Keith Credit Register Company, at Mansfield, who were engaged in the manufacture of sales books and credit systems.

Jonathan Stierwalt was the president of the Company from its organization to the time of his death in 1896, since which time E. J. Carter has been president. At the present time the officers are E. J. Carter, president and treasurer; John F. Gottron, vice-president, and. C. W. Stierwalt, secretary.

Since their new factgry was built in 1902 they have been continually adding to it to meet their increasing business. The factory is a model one, being a saw-tooth roof construc- tion, heated with hot water pumped in from central station and protected by automatic sprinkler system throughout. The company is regarded as one of the very substantial institutions of Fremont.

The Lehr Agricultural Company was incorporated in 1890 with a capital stock of $70,000 and is the successor of the firm of Lehr Brothers in the machine and foundry business. G. F. Buchman is president, J. W. Lehr vicepresident, Will J. Rich secretary, and N. P.

Its foundry and machine shop are located on the corner of Napoleon and Jackson Streets. The company manufactures various lines of sulkey cultivators, land rollers, disk and toothharrows and other agricultural implements on a large scale. It employs from fifty to eighty men and is one,of Fremont's important manufacturing plants.

"machinery and machinery supplies, and is located at 207-209 Garrison Street. M. Holderman is sole owner, and the company is the successor to the old June Engine Works.

_into operation the June Engine Works, a manufacturing business which was only terminated at the death of Mr. David June, in November, 1905. 'Ilis business was carried on successfully as June & Curtis, June & June, June & Gilpin, June & Curtis, D. June & Co., French & Holderman and at present as the M. Holderman Machinery Company.

At the beginning the firm did a general machine-shop and foundry business and manufactured plows, stationary engines and saw-mills. As the business developed they later took contract for the building and complete installation of the machinery for the operation of various kinds of factories, etc. In 1875 they put on the market the famous Champion Vertical Boiler Portable engine with its patent spark arrester, which, two years later, was developed into the traction engine. Coming, as it did, in the infancy of the traction engine, and because of its safety from fire through the spark arrester, the firm for many years did a flourishaa ee gn aS re OY ee psn

Later the firm again took up the manufacture of stationary engines, boilers and sawmills in conjunction with the traction engines, which form of business was carried on until the death of Mr. June, as above stated.

The firm started a branch house at Waco, Texas, where much of the product of the June Engine Works has been sold of late years. This branch house was incorporated just prior to Mr. David June's death, and now does a flourishing business under the name of The D. June Machinery Company, of which firm M. Holderman is president.

For years the June Engine Works were the largest and almost the sole manufactory of note in this vicinity. The persons who from time to time have been associated with the business in various ways number into the thousands. Those who have been associated with the firm as part owners are David June, Samuel Curtis, Lyman Gelpin, O. S. French, Robert Brayton, S. A. June and Daniel L. June, all now deceased; and A. M. June, P. J. June and M. Holderman.